Refinery29
21 Gifts Gen Zs Will Stan (According To Me, A Gen Z)
As a person born in 1997, I heard about Millenials buying avocado toast instead of houses while I was still in high school. And now, post-college at the spry age of 23, I hear about Gen-Z teens making six-figures by dancing on an app that the government almost canceled. Suffice to say, I’m an inbetweener on the cusp of two generational extremes. Although generally confused about which side of this social-construct spectrum I actually lie on, if we’re getting technical, I’m a Gen Z through and through — especially on my millennial-filled R29 Shopping team. So, for the upcoming holiday season, I fully harnessed all of my tech-savvy, self-deprecating-yet-confident, and passionately-outspoken attributes to curate the ultimate Gen-Z gift guide. Take notes: we like sustainability (because we were born into a dying planet), we’re obsessed with TikTok (because it’s a funny form of escapism plus a platform of self-expression), AND we definitely stan a good gift (just like everyone else). Flip through the following slides for a lesson in which presents are at the very top of my generation’s wishlist. There’s everything from a pair of fleece-lined Doc Martens to a ring-light selfie tripod and an Animal Crossing Nintendo Switch — New Horizons Edition (if you know, you know). At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.Vote Graphic Tomboy TeeGen Z might be unbothered but in no way are we unopinionated, just like this simple graphic tee. Shop MadewellMadewell Vote Graphic Tomboy Tee, $, available at MadewellAlign Pant 25″As I scoured #christmaslist on TikTok almost every single video featured an item from the famous activewear brand, Lululemon. So, you can’t go wrong with buying a pair of their cult-favorite leggings.Shop Lululemonlululemon lululemon Align Pant II 25″, $, available at lululemonNike Fleece PantsNike joggers are a total upgrade from the average sweatpant and make great gifts for the athleisure Gen Z liners.Shop NikeNike Fleece Pants, $, available at NikeLevi’s High-Rise Skinny Jeans-PAID-Flattering high-waisted jeans are a classic, no matter how young or old you are. This pair is cut from stretch fabric, meaning they’re extra comfy and look good on all different bodies.Levi’s Levi’s High-Rise Skinny Jeans, $, available at Levi’sHalo LuMee x Paris HiltonWe did not know phones could get anymore glued into our palms until Tik Tok revolutionized the viral video. Now you can get famous literally anywhere if you have a phone and some good lighting, aka this holographic LED phone case.Shop LumeeLumee Halo LuMee x Paris Hilton, $, available at Case-MateMulberry Silk ScrunchiesI keep a scrunchie around my wrist at all times (peep the first photo) and I know that I am not alone. These silk hair ties have a fancy flare that makes them fab gifts for any other hair tie fanatics. Shop MsilkhomeMsilkhome Silk scrunchies, $, available at EtsyPompom String LightsString lights go under room essentials for bedrooms, dorms, and anywhere else you want to amp up the ambiance. Shop Urban OutfittersUrban Outfitters Pompom String Lights, $, available at Urban OutfittersMini Waffle MakerFor the days when you’re feeling a little too fancy to settle for an Eggo waffle. This mini iron is an adorable essential for stay-at-home brunches. Shop DashDash Mini Waffle Maker, $, available at Urban OutfittersUltra Mini Portable ProjectorIt’s a mini-movie theater in the palm of your hand…who wouldn’t want this? These gadgets project in HD 1080p widescreen format, connect directly with USB drives, and are perfect for traveling with. Shop KodakKodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector, $, available at AmazonTONYMOLY Sheet MasksThis brand is know for its “seriously fun skincare” and it shows. These masks can brighten up your complexion any skin care collection.Shop TONYMOLYTonyMoly I’m Real Radiance Sheet Mask Assortment, $, available at Amazon10” Ring Light with 50” Extendable Tripod StandIt’s 2020 and it is no longer taboo to have a full ring light set up in a corner of your room. This is the perfect beginners kit for anyone interested in diving into the world of Youtube, Tik Tok, etc.Shop Sensyne sensyne 10” Ring Light with 50” Extendable Tripod Stand, $, available at AmazonWashable Silk Tee SetThis 100% silk tee pajama set is the perfect cross between bougie and casual. Shop LunyaLunya Washable Silk Tee Set, $, available at LunyaEasy To Be Kind Embroidery KitThis kit comes with everything you need to create an embroidery masterpiece. Shop GingiberGingiber Easy To Be Kind Embroidery Kit, $, available at ban.doStorm CloudThe liquid inside this Storm Cloud will crystallize as the air pressure changes. It’s cool, it’s science, and it would look great on a desk. Shop Uncommon GoodsUncommon Goods Storm Cloud, $, available at Uncommon GoodsConverse Chuck 70 Organic Canvas High Top SneakerConverse’s effortlessly cool style is everlasting. Even now, the sneaker brand remains at the top of tons of Gen Z wish lists whether they want to add more to their collection or try the cool kicks out for the first very first time. Shop ConverseConverse Converse Chuck 70 Organic Canvas High Top Sneaker, $, available at Urban OutfittersSkullycandy Crusher Evo HeadphonesCollina Strada’s first collab headphones with Skullcandy literally thump to the beat thanks to their adjustable bass setting. Their tie-dye design is truly one of a kind and they are super comfy to wear. I’m obsessed with my pair. Shop Skull CandyCollina Strada Collina Strada Crusher® Evo Sensory Bass Headphones, $, available at SkullcandyDr. Martens 2976 Leonore Lined Leather Ankle BootsJust like Converse, Dr. Martens’ shoes continue to outlive fleeting trends and stay on the feet of the younger generation. These boots come with some extra fuzzy lining for keeping toes extra warm and cozy.Shop Dr. MartensDr. Martens 2976 Leonore lined leather ankle boots in black, $, available at ASOSYour Superheroes Full-Size Travel Makeup Brush SetTravel sets also make great gifts because they are all in one! This makeup brush set from IT cosmetics has rave reviews and would put a smile on any beauty-obsessed Gen-Z teen. Shop IT CosmeticsIt Cosmetics Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Makeup Brush Set, $, available at UltaAirPods ProAmazon has these super in-demand earphones on sale for 30% off. Even though Gen-Z teens might use them to ignore your voice…they still make a great gift. Shop AppleApple AirPods Pro, $, available at AmazonLayered Moon NecklaceAccessories seem to make or break a mirror selfie these days. Adding a sweet and simple necklace to a Gen-Z jewelry collection is an excellent gift idea. Shop MejuriMejuri Layered Moon Necklace, $, available at MejuriNintendo Switch Animal Crossing: New Horizons EditionThe Nintendo Switch officially launched in 2017 but it seems to grow in popularity every year, especially once Animal Crossing launched a brand new game in 2020. This Animal Crossing: New Horizons special edition console is perfect for anyone else obsessed with Tom Nook and friends. Shop NintendoNintendo Nintendo Switch Animal Crossing: New Horizons Edition, $, available at TargetMini Corduroy BackpackThese mini corduroys bags are just as useful as they are fashionable.Shop Urban OutfittersUrban Outfitters Corduroy Mini Backpack, $, available at Urban OutfittersMakeup FridgeCaitlin Belle Isle, 16″This makeup fridge is so kitsch and sweet. I love how it’s a knick-knack but it’s also a storage space. I also love it because putting cold face moisturizer on is just so refreshing. On that note, I also want a Glow Recipe Watermelon Sleep Mask. I got a sample in an Ipsy bag and it has an amazing natural fruity smell and instantly clears my acne without drying my face. Literally, I’m obsessed. “Cooluli Mini Beauty Refrigerator, $, available at Urban OutfittersLululemon Align LeggingsFrancesca Gatto, 18″Lululemon’s Align Leggings are at the top of my holiday wishlist. I also love Air Force One Shadows, and Bazzi or Post Malone merch.”lululemon Align Pant 28″, $, available at lululemonClout T-shirtsCaitlin Belle Isle, 16″I want Slimy Oddity’s Come Into the Light t-shirt. I’ve followed them on Instagram from the start and I think the little slime guys they use in their art are so cute. Plus, I love their message of acceptance, healing, and positive change, and the clothes they sell are ethically made! I also want a Timothy Heller See Ya shirt. I think Timothy is such a sweetheart and I’m really into supporting independent musicians that deserve more hype. Timothy is a huge inspiration to me because of her kindness and incredible style. It’s such an angelic design, too.”Slimy Oddity Come Into the Light Tee, $, available at Slimy OddityGap Sherpa Full-Zip JacketPatsy Daum, 16″This jacket seems to be the ideal thing to wear on a cold winter day when you’re trying to be extra cozy. I like the interesting pops of color from the zipper and trimming, allowing your fuzzy jacket to subtly stand out in a sea of neutrals that these types of fleeces frequently come in.”Gap Sherpa Full-Zip Jacket, $, available at GapMorphe PalettePatsy Daum, 16″I really like this Morphe eyeshadow set because it has all of the basic shades that traditionally come in the average palette as well as a plethora of pigmented blue hues. This color variety would let me experiment with color without having to fully commit to wearing a bold eye look.”Morphe Morphe 35V Stunning Vibes Artistry Palette, $, available at UltaReformation BikiniPatsy Daum, 16″If you know someone who is very environmentally conscious (like me), then I think a swimsuit from Reformation is a great gift. The company makes sustainability a priority, so you can feel good about purchasing something from their very cute swimwear line. I really like this bikini set; I think the navy and white print is so interesting and unique.”Reformation Costa Bikini Top, $, available at ReformationProjectorOlive, 20″I want to get back into art so I’m asking for a projector. That way I can do big paintings more easily and to scale. Also, socks from Roots because they’re so cozy and my favorite to wear under my Blundstones and Dr. Martens.”Kodak KODAK Luma 150 Pocket Projector, $, available at AmazonSleeper Dress Vivian Chambers, 17″I’m a big pajama person. I love a good oversized t-shirt, but man, a cute nightgown really gets me excited — I would wear one around all day if I could. Sleeper made my dreams a reality with their pajamas that double as clothing you can wear all day. And I’m seriously here for it. This nightgown is so cute and looks ridiculously comfortable too. I’ve been dying for one ever since I discovered the brand.”Sleeper Atlanta Gingham Linen Midi Dress, $, available at Net-A-PorterDr. Martens 1460 Vivian Chambers, 17″…I think it’s about time I get my first pair. The classic black boots are literally everywhere, and apparently they’re super comfortable to walk around in. They’d be so cute with jeans and a leather jacket or even a summer sundress when it’s warmer. I’m excited to finally join the club.”Dr. Martens 1460 Smooth, $, available at ZapposSAT Prep BookGeorgia Freyer, 15″Two tops from Urban Outfitters — their basic Out From Under tank bra and a comfy tee—and an SAT prep book (😔). Oh! And Doc Martens. I want the 1460’s just because I don’t have a pair of docs so they are a great starter pair and they’re very much a “staple” item because they go with anything and they’ll last for years.”The College Board Official SAT Study Guide 2020 Edition, $, available at AmazonReformation Butterfly DressWen Hsiao, 20″I’m at a stage in life where I have lots of formal events to go to, but not enough money to dress like it. So this holiday season, I really want to invest in a long-lasting dress in a classic silhouette. Reformation’s Butterfly dress has a flattering sweetheart neckline, plus it’s cinched in at the waist and flares out at the bottom, creating the illusion of an hourglass silhouette. My favorite iterations of this dress are in the colors Cherry and Isabella. I also like that Reformation also has a sustainable business model, using sustainable materials and paying their workers a fair wage.”Reformation Butterfly Dress, $, available at ReformationDr. Marten Fur-Lined Jadon BootsWen Hsiao, 20″Ever wonder what would your UGG boots look like if they went through a goth phase? Well, the fur-lined Jadon 8 Eye boots is exactly that. I’d imagine the faux fur interior will keep my feet warm, even on a late-night food run for a Christmas movie marathon. And that 1.25” platform would make anyone look like a badass.”Dr Martens Fur-Lined Jadon, $, available at ZapposMilk Makeup Tattoo StampWen Hsiao, 20″If you’re like me and struggle with drawing a day-to-day eyeliner look, this statement makeup is a savior. Milk’s tattoo stamp is a more subtle take on the over-the-top Euphoria trend and the heart tattoo stamp is reminiscent of MARINA’s Electra Heart era.”Milk Makeup Tattoo Stamp, $, available at Milk MakeupWeighted BlanketRebecca Helfrich, 21″I didn’t ask for much this year because I’ve been lucky enough to spend this semester abroad studying in Scotland. I did ask for a weighted blanket though, that I’m hoping will help with anxiety and regulate my sleep patterns!”ZonLi Cooling Weighted Blanket, $, available at AmazonGlossierHolly Acker, 18″I’ve been eyeing Cloud Paint and Balm Dot Com for a long time but haven’t gotten to try them yet. I love experimenting with new makeup so I’m hoping for these to create new looks.”Glossier Cloud Paint, $, available at GlossierPaloma Wool Yin Yang SweaterSarah Isenberg, 21″This year for Hanukkah my parents just decided to give my sister and me some money to buy ourselves our holiday presents, so I actually did a lot of my holiday shopping already! I bought myself the coziest Paloma Wool yin yang sweater, and a huge blanket scarf from Urban Outfitters because I’m moving to New York next month and don’t have a lot of warm clothes. I also bought myself one of the new Baggu laptop cases because I love everything they make!”Paloma Wool Yin Yang Knitted Sweater, $, available at Liberty LondonParadeAlette Segerstrom, 18″I’ve been seeing Parade underwear all over social media, and I figure it’s time for me to see what all the hype is about! I’m super drawn to this brand because it’s a female-owned company that creates sustainable, affordable products and strives to showcase and celebrate a diverse array of beauty in their marketing and advertising campaigns. They even donate proceeds to Planned Parenthood! I’m asking for the cool pack because I think the colors are gorgeous and remind me of the ocean, which is my fave.”Parade Parade Boyshort, $, available at ParadeCalpak Vanity Case Alette Segerstrom, 18″Calpak is yet another brand that I found through social media (see a trend?), and I’m obsessed with their chic, fresh approach to luggage and travel accessories. I always travel with quite a few options for makeup, just in case I feel the urge to go wild. The little canvas zipper bag that I typically stuff all my toiletries in just isn’t cutting it. While it may be a little extra and definitely a little pricey, I’m sure that if I receive this vanity case this year, I’d love her forever.”Calpak Vanity Case, $, available at CalpakVagabond Shoemakers Simone Square Toe Boot Alette Segerstrom, 18″These boots have been on my radar for wayyyy too long, and after watching them sell out more than once, I’m ready to add them to my collection. Vagabond’s Simone boots are the perfect closet shoe staple; the square toe and practical heel add just the right amount of flair to keep them from feeling too basic. After breaking these puppies in, I’m sure I could style them with pretty much anything and they’d look rad.”Vagabond Shoemakers Simone Square Toe Boot, $, available at Urban OutfittersAirPods ProTiffany Vega, 22″I’ve been wanting to get some wireless earphones in a while, and the AirPods Pro seems so convenient. Let’s just hope I don’t accidentally lose them!”Apple AirPods Pro, $, available at AppleHarry Styles MerchSylvia Bueltel, 22″As I mentioned before, Harry Styles merch is on my radar and I reverted back into my 13-year-old fangirl self and texted my mom a link saying, “This is literally the only thing I want for Christmas, can you pleeeeease let Santa know?” Another thing on my list is a new iPhone, but I’m going to be my own Santa for this. I have had the iPhone 6s for almost 4 years now and it is not cutting it.”Harry Styles Treat People With Kindness Puff Ink Hoodie, $, available at Shop Harry Styles& Other Stories Colour Block Puff Shoulder SweaterWen Hsiao, 20″What’s better waking up on Christmas morning all cozied up? Being all cozied up in this sweater. The color scheme reminds of Toy Story’s Emperor Zurg, or a purple emperor butterfly. I love the pleated puff sleeves, and I can see this sweater being dressed up and down, either with a pair of jeans or a high-waisted maxi-skirt.”& Other Stories Colour Block Puff Shoulder Sweater, $, available at & Other StoriesLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?19 Unique Advent Calendars We’re Gifting This YearThe Best Coffee Gifts For Bean-Loving Buds6 Scary Subscription Gifts Horror Buffs Will Love
